MEDICATIONS FOR ARTHRITIS PAIN RELIEF: RISKS AND BENEFITS

Arthritis is not a single condition, but rather a group of painful conditions characterized by joint inflammation that leads to pain and stiffness. In fact, there are around 200 conditions that affect the tissues surrounding the joint and the joint itself. 

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis which is caused by wear and tear over the years, gradually worsening with age. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is caused when the immune system sees the joints as foreign tissues, so it begins to attack them. As a result, this type of arthritis falls under the category of autoimmune diseases, according to Healthline. Other types of arthritis include gout, spondylosis, psoriatic arthritis, etc.

Osteoarthritis

The most common type of arthritis is caused by aging joints, obesity, or injury. Symptoms include pain and stiffness in one or more joints, including the wrist, hand, back, neck, hip, and knee. Treatment depends on the affected joint and involves exercise and medication. Overweight people with osteoarthritis are recommended to lose excess pounds, says WebMD.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid conditions are marked by pain, stiffness, aching, and swelling in and around joints. It’s a chronic inflammatory disorder that not only can cause damage to joints, but also to other parts of our system – the eyes, skin, blood vessels, heart, and lungs. The symptoms can appear suddenly or develop gradually. This type of arthritis affects the joint lining, leading to painful swelling that can even cause joint deformity and bone erosion. 

Gout

It’s a type of arthritis that usually affects the joint in the big toe. It’s caused by excess uric acid in the blood and is more common in men than women. Gout is marked by swelling, intense pain, and stiffness. Gout attacks can be extremely painful, especially when they occur in the middle of the night. 

Treatment

The purpose of the treatment is to minimize joint damage, control pain, and improve or maintain quality of life. Treatment of arthritis involves lifestyle strategies and medications which can help protect joints from worse damage. They include:

• Medications 
• Physical or occupational therapy
• Non-pharmacologic therapies
• Weight loss
• Splints or joints assistive aids
• Surgery, including joint replacement
• Patient education and support

Medications for Arthritis Pain Relief: Benefits and Risks

People who have arthritis pain need relief, so they take painkillers even though they know it’s not the best choice. A lot of medications for arthritis pain relief have the potential for health risks, such as infections, stomach problems, or even a heart attack. Still, the pain is unbearable, so they take their medications anyway. There are a few things they can do to help relieve their pain naturally, but first, let’s talk about arthritis painkillers.

Here are the most common arthritis medications along with their benefits and risks, according to Arthritis Foundation.

Acetaminophen

This medicine is prescribed for mild-to-moderate arthritis pain, as well as fever. Unlike other painkillers, it doesn’t raise your risk of heart problems, and it’s easy on the stomach. Plus, it’s rather cheap.

On the other hand, it’s present in many over-the-counter and prescription drugs, so you can easily take too much of it my mistake. Excess amounts of acetaminophen can cause liver damage. Also, this medicine doesn’t treat inflammation.

Opioids

These are prescribed for severe arthritis pain, as well as severe diarrhea and a bad cough. 

However, opioids can make you constipated, sleepy, and dizzy. The worst part is that you can develop opioid resistance if you take them for a longer time. This means that you’ll need to take a larger dose to feel its effects. 

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, fight inflammation, reduce fever, and relieve pain. But, they raise the risk of stroke or heart attack. Also, they are quite hard on the stomach.

Natural Remedies – Arthorex Oil

Appropriate exercise, a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol and smoking can help the treatment of arthritis. 

Another efficient way to naturally relieve arthritis pain is using the ayurvedic oil called Arthorex oil. It contains some of the best medicinal plants such as Berela, Aswagangha, Erandamul, Halud, Jalamansi, as well as sesame oil. This powerful combination helps relieve arthritis pain, muscle pain, fibromyalgia pain, joint pain, and pain due to soreness.

The Arthorex oil is popular for providing instant relief from pains, sprains, and swellings in joints. It’s also used for relieving backache and stiff muscular pain. The best part is that it doesn’t come with the nasty side effects of prescribed arthritis medications, being a completely natural product. Still, it’s best to consult your doctor before using it. But, it’s definitely worth trying it out.